Yoga treatment for major depression
Treating Major Depression With Yoga Mono-therapy: 12-Week Randomized Controlled Trial
This study is testing if practicing yoga for 12 weeks can help adults with mild-to-moderate depression feel better compared to a control group.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 180 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of California, San Francisco Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (San Francisco, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT06091527 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This interventional trial evaluates the effectiveness of yoga monotherapy over 12 weeks in adults with mild-to-moderate major depression. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: standard yoga practice, Ayurvedic yoga practice, or an educational control intervention. The primary outcome will be measured using the Beck Depression Inventory-II, while secondary outcomes will assess perceived stress and various biomarkers associated with depression. The study aims to determine if yoga can significantly reduce depression severity compared to the control group.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who have a diagnosis of clinical depression and can provide informed consent.
Not a fit: Patients currently taking antidepressant medication or engaged in psychotherapy may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a non-pharmacological treatment option for patients suffering from depression.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results for yoga as a treatment for depression, suggesting potential efficacy in this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: * 18 years of age or older * Able to give voluntary, informed consent * English-speaking * Diagnosis of clinical depression Exclusion criteria: * Current use of antidepressant medication * Current engagement in psychotherapy * Current pregnancy * Significant medical issues interfering with yoga practice
Where this trial is running
San Francisco, California
- Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital — San Francisco, California, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Sudha Prathikanti, MD — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Sudha Prathikanti, MD
- Email: sudha.prathikanti@ucsf.edu
- Phone: 415-516-3867
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.